I know this is TMI, but I am desperately in the NEED to know! My bowels have not moved since B4 surgery. Tomorrow, April 2nd will be one week out. Is this normal? Any suggestions on what to take?

i would get a stool softner like ducolax or if your body is sensitive try prune juice. if you had a pre op liquid diet and are taking pain meds that explains the lack of "going". hope this helps

Mom milk of magnesia its gentle.take it at night and in the am u will go.

I think it's pretty normal. You're probably still on liquids, right? So, really you haven't been eating anything. Also as mentioned, sometimes pain meds can stop you up. I think prune juice is good to try; if not then maybe try to the milk of magnesia.

I had a really hard time too, literally. I resolved the problem with stool softener, but my surgeon recommended milk of magnesia. You will feel SO much better after!

cherry milk of magnesia is my buddy now- if you were used to eating carbs and now switched to proteins the ol' bod is at a loss.. I also take probiotics, once dr say it was Ok- and I crush em. and above all - WATER WATER WATER

Thx guys! I am headed to the store right after this reply!

I also took cherry milk of magnesia. I bought Probiotic Pearls too, and I think they have been helping. I have had severely reduced fiber intake due to being only about two weeks post-op, but I seem to be fairly regular daily. I only had to take the milk of magnesia once, about three days post op because I was feeling terrible.

I didnt either for about a week after surgery and then still rare for a bit after that. I think it has to do with liquids and the fact that one of the side effects of pain meds is constipation. If it really worrying you start adding some fiber, that doesn't jell or expand or take a stool softener. TMI but as soon as i started adding the little Benefiber packets I have been moving much more regularly and I feel better too, plus it is flavorless and not grainy so i can just add it to my water and I am set!

Great Advice! Thx a bunch!

I had a severe issue with the bathroom after surgery ... I actually had to go to urgent care. I warn you, do NOT overdo it with the laxatives, your bowels will not function normally after all that. Your colon muscles can become dependent upon the laxative and when its time for you to go ... you wont be able to go. My nutritionist has a regime that is natural and I feel like it saved my life bc that constipation pain was the worst!.

Take 1 stool softner in the morning, take another before bed

Drink prune juice diluted with water 50/50 daily

Eat a probiotic yogurt (activia) daily

Take a fiber supplement (benefiber, fiber choice, metamucil, etc) daily

Drink at least 64 oz of water daily

If you dont go to the bathroom at least once every 3 days, then and only then should you resort to laxatives. Try "Smooth Move" organic senna tea before bed. its all natural and it cleans you out pretty good

GOOD LUCK!